Facelift/Necklift

Serving Manhattan, New York City and Surrounding Areas.

The Gold Standard of Facial Rejuvenation

Facelift and necklift are the gold standard for improving the visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as skin and muscle laxity. An expertly performed facelift and necklift takes years off a person’s appearance with the removal of excess skin and fat and the repositioning of the facial structures. Facelift and necklift techniques are usually combined into one operation to enhance harmony between the lower portion of the face. Leading New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz has earned the admiration of thousands of patients who enjoy looking as youthful as they feel.

Facelift and Necklift Surgery Candidates

Ideal facelift/necklift candidates are usually in their 40s or older, and are bothered by noticeable signs of aging. These could include any of the following:

• Sagging in the mid-face

• Deep nasolabial folds “marionette lines” around the nose and mouth

• Displaced fat

• Jowls

• Appearance of a double chin

• Loose skin/horizontal bands on the neck

Dr. Schwartz meets with all facelift candidates to examine their areas of concern and to understand what they would like to improve. He reviews their medical history to ensure they are medically stable, and explains reasonable expectations of surgery.

More about the Procedure

Facelift/necklift is typically performed on an outpatient basis at Dr. Schwartz’s on-site surgical facility. Anesthesia is used for complete patient comfort. Patients are monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist to ensure their safety.

The first step of the operation is to make the surgical incisions. Traditional “full” facelift incisions are made in the hairline at the temples, continuing down to the earlobes, around the ears and sometimes into the lower scalp. An additional incision for full facelift surgery is made in a crease underneath the chin, if needed. “Limited-incision facelift” or “mini facelift” incisions are shorter and placed at the temples, continuing around the ear. Necklift incisions are placed around the earlobes, behind the ear to the lower scalp and in the crease underneath the chin.

Through the incisions, Dr. Schwartz focuses on tightening the tissue and muscles in the middle to lower areas of the face (known as the SMAS). He can remove or add fat or dermal fillers to restore youthful contours to the face. He removes loose, saggy skin and re-drapes the facial skin more tightly over the improved facial structures.

When Dr. Schwartz finishes making the surgical modifications, he closes the incisions with sutures and dresses the treated area.

Recovering from Surgery

After facelift/necklift surgery, bruising, swelling and discoloration are normal side effects. The incision area may also feel tender or sensitive for a few days. Dr. Schwartz provides comprehensive instructions for post-procedure care.

Patients must keep the head elevated for the first few days after surgery and refrain from strenuous activities for about three weeks. Getting plenty of rest will also help shorten the recovery time.

Dr. Schwartz schedules several follow-up appointments to check on the recovery progress. He advises when it is safe for the patient to return to work, exercise, socializing and other normal activities.

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Dr. Mark H. Schwartz

Mark H. Schwartz, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience making confidence-building, positive transformations in his patient’s lives. Recognized by Castle Connolly as one of the New York Metro Area’s top plastic surgeons, he looks forward to discussing your interest in plastic surgery and developing an individualized treatment plan.